U.S. patent number 4,709,625 [Application Number 06/921,975] was granted by the patent office on 1987-12-01 for dispensing machine for tea.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Gross-Given Manufacturing Co.. Invention is credited to John Layre, Yong S. Park, George K. Schollhamer.
United States Patent |
4,709,625 |
Layre , et al. |
December 1, 1987 |
Dispensing machine for tea
Abstract
The present invention relates to an apparatus for nonpressurized
infusion brewing of a beverage, and especially tea brewed freshly
from tea leaves, primarily adapted for use in vending machines. The
apparatus includes a novel brew assembly comprising a frame, a
carriage reciprocable along the frame between a brew position and
discharge position. The carriage is driven between the brew
position and discharge position by a motor driven crank pin mounted
on a crank arm in which the crank pin is slidable in a transverse
slot formed in the carriage. The carriage carries a brew cavity
having an open top and bottom with externally extending guide pins
mounted on opposed side walls. The brew cavity is mounted within
the carriage and is normally biased towards a lower position. The
brew cavity includes a stop member which abruptly abuts the
carriage after the guide pins of the brew cavity are raised by
inclined cam members to a maximum point where the guide members
ride off the end of the cam members to cause the discharge of spent
tea leaves or other solid infusible material by virtue of inertia
and gravity. The brew cavity guide members then pass under the
inclined cam members back to the brew position where the cycle
begins again.
Inventors: |
Layre; John (Warminster,
PA), Park; Yong S. (Lansdale, PA), Schollhamer; George
K. (Furlong, PA) |
Assignee: |
Gross-Given Manufacturing Co.
(St. Paul, MN)
|
Family
ID: |
25446286 |
Appl.
No.: |
06/921,975 |
Filed: |
October 22, 1986 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
99/289R |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F
13/065 (20130101); A47J 31/18 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A47J
31/40 (20060101); G07F 13/06 (20060101); A47J
031/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;99/289R,279,287,289T,289P,299 ;426/433 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Jenkins; Robert W.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Panitch Schwarze Jacobs and
Nadel
Claims
We claim:
1. Apparatus for nonpressurized infusion brewing of a beverage
including a brew assembly, the brew assembly comprising
a frame;
a carriage reciprocable along the frame in a first direction
between a brew position and a discharge position, the carriage
including a slot formed therein generally transverse to the first
direction;
a motor driving a rotating shaft;
a crank arm having two ends and being attached to the shaft
proximate one end;
a crank pin attached to the crank arm proximate the other end of
the crank arm and extending into the slot in the carriage;
the motor being actuatable to cause the carriage to reciprocate
between the brew and discharge positions by rotating the shaft
whereby the crank pin reciprocates within the slot;
a brew cavity mounted to the carriage and having side walls and an
open top and bottom, the brew cavity having at least one guide pin
mounted on a side wall;
a filter assembly mounted on the frame and aligned with the brew
cavity at the brew position and including a filter for supporting
solid infusible material;
brew cavity mounting means for mounting the brew cavity to the
carriage such that the brew cavity is moveable vertically with
respect to the carriage between upper and lower positions;
biasing means extending between the brew cavity and the carriage
normally exerting a biasing force to bias the brew cavity toward
the lower position to such an extent that when the brew cavity is
in the brew position, the bottom of the brew cavity is held in
sealing engagement with the filter assembly surrounding the
filter;
cam means having a camming surface mounted on the frame between the
brew and discharge positions for engagement with the brew cavity
guide pin to overcome the biasing force and for raising the brew
cavity from the lower position toward the upper position as the
guide pin travels along the camming surface from the brew position
toward the discharge position; and
stop means associated with the brew cavity to prevent the brew
cavity from extending below the lower position after the brew
cavity guide pin travels past the cam means to the discharge
position at which the brew cavity is abruptly biased to the lower
position, whereby the infusible material from which the beverage
has been brewed is dishcarged from the brew cavity.
2. Apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising motor control
means including switch means activated by the crank arm.
3. Apparatus according to claim 2 further comprising a switch
activating member attached to the crank arm proximate the second
end.
4. Apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the switch activating
member extends from a surface of the crank arm opposite the surface
from which the crank pin extends.
5. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the frame includes side
walls having top and bottom edges, the carriage being supported by
the frame side walls, and wherein the carriage includes a top
member and opposed side members attached to the top member and
retaining means attached to the side members for retaining the
carriage in a sliding relationship with respect to the frame.
6. Apparatus according to claim 5 wherein the retaining means
comprises retaining elements attached to the side members of the
carriage which extend below the bottom edges of the frame side
walls, such that the retaining elements would abut the bottom edges
when an upward vertical force is applied to the carriage.
7. Apparatus according to claim 5 wherein the brew cavity mounting
means comprises side walls extending downwardly from the top member
and spaced inwardly from the frame side walls, each of the mounting
means side walls including a generally vertical elongated aperture
into which extends a brew cavity guide pin protruding from opposite
sides of the brew cavity.
8. Apparatus according to claim 7 wherein the stop means comprises
a stop member attached to a side wall and proximate the top of the
brew cavity, the brew cavity extending into an opening formed in
the top member of the carriage, the stop member abutting the top
member of the carriage when the brew cavity is in the lower
position.
9. Apparatus according to claim 8 wherein the stop member is a
flange extending around the periphery of the brew cavity and having
at least one perimeter portion overlapping a perimeter portion of
the opening in the top member of the carriage.
10. Apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the biasing means
includes at least one extension spring having two ends, one end
being attached to the brew cavity and the other end being attached
to the carriage.
11. Apparatus according to claim 10 wherein the biasing means
includes a plurality of the extension springs in which the one end
of each spring is attached to the stop member flange at equidistant
points around the stop member flange, and in which the other end of
each spring is attached to lower portions of the brew cavity
mounting means.
12. Apparatus according to claim 7 wherein the brew cavity includes
generally vertical and outwardly extending flanges mounted on the
opposite sides of the brew cavity, the guide pins being mounted on
and extending outwardly from the generally vertical flanges.
13. Apparatus according to claim 12 wherein the brew cavity, the
stop member flange, the generally vertical flanges and the guide
pins are integrally formed as a unitary structure.
14. Apparatus according to claim 12 wherein the top member of the
carriage includes holes through which the generally vertical
flanges of the brew cavity extend.
15. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein a wiping means is
mounted on a lower portion of the carriage for wiping the solid
infusible material off of the filter as the brew cavity travels
from the brew position to the discharge position.
16. Apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising a housing in
which the brew assembly is mounted;
a container mounted in the housing in which tea leaves are
contained, the container including dispensing means for dispensing
a predetermined amount of the tea leaves from the container into
the brew cavity and onto the filter in the brew position;
a source of hot water mounted in the housing with a conduit having
an outlet aligned with the brew cavity in the brew position;
means for dispensing a predetermined amount of hot water from the
source through the conduit into the brew cavity in the brew
position;
brewed beverage dispensing means including a conduit aligned with
the filter for dispensing the brewed beverage into a cup supported
by a support member attached to the apparatus in the housing.
17. A vending machine comprising the apparatus of claim 16.
18. A vending machine comprising the apparatus of claim 1.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a dispensing machine for an
infusion brewed beverage. More particularly, the present invention
relates to apparatus for nonpressurized infusion brewing of a
beverage, and specifically preferably tea, freshly brewed in each
cycle of the operation of the apparatus from tea leaves. The
present apparatus has primary use in a beverage vending machine. By
using the present invention, it is possible to freshly brew and
dispense individual cups of tea from a vending machine.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Beverage brewing devices for preparing single cup quantities of
liquid beverages by the extraction technique are known. See, for
example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,213,777; 3,292,526; 3,349,690; 3,496,861;
3,660,117; and 4,271,573. While the foregoing patents disclose
beverage brewing apparatus which was the state of the art at the
time of their invention, and performed in a satisfactory manner,
they were primarily for the purpose of brewing coffee primarily in
vending machines. The brewing mechanisms of these patents employed
a means for pressurizing the hot water used to brew the beverage by
which hot water was forced through either a preformed filter
package including the ground coffee beans or through ground coffee
beans directly deposited on a filter assembly in an appropriate
brew cavity component. Prior brew assemblies or mechanisms employed
an extensive series of cams, sometimes with auxiliary gear segments
operating cables, as in U.S. Pat. No. 4,271,753 to enable the
complete cycling of the assembly to make a cup of brewed beverage.
The use of relatively complicated brew mechanisms which were
relatively difficult and expensive to manufacture, assemble and
maintain compared to the present invention lead to the development
of the present invention.
The present invention is believed to significantly simplify the
structure and operation of a beverage brewing mechanism and is
particularly adapted for dispensing single cups of freshly brewed
tea from tea leaves by using a brew assembly in which it is
unnecessary to pressurize the water as it passes through the tea
leaves to make the liquid tea beverage. The use of a pressurized
mechanism is not desirable in the present invention, as tea is
extracted to yield a better tasting freshly brewed tea when the hot
water is allowed to flow naturally through the tea leaves by
gravity. The present invention operates in a relatively simple,
efficient and economical manner cycling from a brew position
through a spent tea leaf discharge position and back to the brew
position, scraping or wiping the tea leaves off of a filter held in
a filter assembly between the brew position and the discharge
position.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to an apparatus for
nonpressurized infusion brewing of a beverage including a brew
assembly, the brew assembly comprising
a frame;
a carriage reciprocable along the frame in a first direction
between a brew position and a discharge position, the carriage
including a slot formed therein generally transverse to the first
direction;
a motor driving a rotating shaft;
a crank arm having two ends and being attached to the shaft
proximate one end;
a crank pin attached to the crank arm proximate the other end of
the crank arm and extending into the slot in the carriage;
the motor being actuatable to cause the carriage to reciprocate
between the brew and discharge positions by rotating the shaft
whereby the crank pin reciprocates within the slot;
a brew cavity mounted to the carriage and having side walls and an
open top and bottom, the brew cavity having at least one guide pin
mounted on a side wall;
a filter assembly mounted on the frame and aligned with the brew
cavity at the brew position and including a filter for supporting
solid infusible material;
brew cavity mounting means for mounting the brew cavity to the
carriage such that the brew cavity is moveable vertically with
respect to the carriage between upper and lower positions;
biasing means extending between the brew cavity and the carriage
normally exerting a biasing force to bias the brew cavity toward
the lower position to such an extent that when the brew cavity is
in the brew position, the bottom of the brew cavity is held in
sealing engagement with the filter assembly surrounding the
filter;
cam means having a camming surface mounted on the frame between the
brew and discharge positions for engagement with the brew cavity
guide pin to overcome the biasing force and for raising the brew
cavity from the lower position toward the upper position as the
guide pin travels along the camming surface from the brew position
toward the discharge position; and
stop means associated with the brew cavity to prevent the brew
cavity from extending below the lower position after the brew
cavity guide pin travels past the cam means to the discharge
position at which the brew cavity is abruptly biased to the lower
position, whereby the infusible material from which the beverage
has been brewed is dishcarged from the brew cavity.
As set forth above, the preferred beverage brewed is tea. It is
also preferred that the apparatus of the present invention be used
in a vending machine, although the apparatus can also be used in
noncommercial settings, such as in offices, homes, and the like.
Improved efficiency of operation and the elimination of several of
the prior art components previously thought necessary in brewing
apparatus used primarily in vending machines resulted in the
apparatus of the present invention which simply, consistently and
economically produces high quality brewed beverages, and
particularly freshly brewed tea from tea leaves.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in
the drawings a form which is presently preferred; it being
understood, however, that this invention is not limited to the
precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view, partially broken away, of a portion
of a vending machine incorporating the apparatus of the present
invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view, partially broken away, of the brew
assembly apparatus of the present invention when the carriage
carrying the brew cavity is in the brew position.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the brew assembly apparatus when
the carriage carrying the brew cavity is extended to a position
just prior to a discharge position.
FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a slightly modified embodiment of the
brew assembly apparatus in the position illustrated in FIG. 2
FIG. 5a is a vertical sectional view taken along line 5--5 of FIG.
4 of the brew assembly apparatus, partially broken away, showing
the carriage in the brew position.
FIG. 5b is a vertical sectional view similar to FIG. 5a showing the
carriage in an intermediate position between the brew position and
a discharge position.
FIG. 5c is a vertical sectional view similar to FIGS. 5a and 5b,
showing in solid lines the carriage at the discharge position, and
in phantom lines the carriage in an intermediate return position
between the discharge position and the brew position.
FIG. 6 is a vertical sectional view of the brew assembly apparatus
taken along line 6--6 of FIG. 4.
FIG. 7 is a vertical sectional view of the brew assembly apparatus
taken along the line 7--7 of FIG. 4.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring to the drawings in detail, wherein like numerals indicate
like elements throughout the several views, there is shown in FIG.
1 a portion of a vending machine 10 including a beverage brewing
mechanism 12 which includes a brew assembly apparatus 14 according
to the present invention. Vending machine 10 may be any type of
conventional vending machine in which one or more hot or cold
beverages are dispensed individually into a cup 16 held on a cup
support 18 mounted in a suitable manner within the vending machine.
A brewing cycle is initiated by the insertion of a coin or currency
in a manner well known to those skilled in the vending machine art.
Although only one brew mechanism 12 is illustrated in vending
machine 10, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the
art that other brew mechanisms of the same or different
construction can be included within the same vending machine.
Further, although the brew assembly 14 of the present invention is
primarily intended to be used in a commercial vending machine, the
brew assembly could be used in brew mechanisms associated with
smaller home or office beverage dispensers, if desired.
Vending machine 10 includes a cabinet having a rear wall 20 and a
side wall 22 attached to the rear wall. Of course, vending machine
10 also includes the usual coin slots, dispensers for condiments,
such as creamer, sugar or other sweetener, lemon or lemon
flavoring, and the like, as well as the usual coin or currency
slots and mechanical, electromechanical or electronic selection and
control mechanisms which do not per se form a part of the present
invention.
Brew mechanism 12 includes a hopper or canister 24 containing tea
leaves or other infusible solid material 26. Canister 24 may be
attached directly to rear wall 20 or may be attached to a base
member 25 which in turn is attached to rear wall 20. An auger or
other dispensing aid causes the tea or other material 26 to be
dispensed through outlet 30 of the canister and into a brew cavity
32 to be described in more detail hereinafter. Condiments, such as
sugar, cream, lemon or the like could also be added to brew cavity
32 from separate canisters within the vending machine sequentially
or simultaneously along with the tea 26.
A source of hot water, such as a hot water tank 34 which may be
connected to an external source of water, is attached to rear wall
20 and side wall 22 within vending machine 10. At the appropriate
time as determined by state of the art electronic and/or
electromechanical controls, a solenoid valve 36 dispenses enough
hot water through conduit 38 into brew cavity 32 where it extracts
the tea or other flavor from tea leaves or other infusible material
and any condiments in the brew cavity. The brewed tea or other
beverage then travels through a funnel shaped collector 40 through
conduit 42 supported by conduit support 44 and into cup 16.
Following the brew cycle just described above, the brew assembly
apparatus of the present invention provides for the discharge of
previously used or spent tea leaves from a filter assembly and brew
cup 32 in a manner to be described hereinafter.
The brew assembly apparatus 14 according to the present invention
will now be described in greater detail, initially with respect to
FIGS. 2, 3 and 4.
The brew assembly apparatus 14 includes a frame 46 including a
front wall 48 and opposed side walls 50, 52 attached thereto. Frame
46 is mounted within the vending machine in operative cooperation
with the other components of brew mechanism 12 in any suitable
manner, such as by being mounted to supports within the vending
machine. Side wall 50 has a top edge 54 and side wall 52 has a top
edge 56. A motor 58, preferably a conventional A.C. electric motor,
is attached within a motor housing 60 attached to frame 46 in any
suitable manner. Electric current is supplied through wires 62
connected to a current source by a plug 63 in a usual manner
through a switch 64 and ultimately to motor 58 when the switch is
closed. The switch is a normally closed switch which is opened when
a switch arm 66 is moved laterally to the position illustrated in
FIGS. 2 and 4 by a switch activator attached to a crank arm driven
by motor 58 in a manner to be described hereinafter. Where the
motor is mounted proximate the brew cup 32, it is preferred that
motor housing 60 be sealed to prevent water or other liquids from
coming into contact with the motor.
If desired, rather than mounting motor 54 in a motor housing 60 to
frame 46, the motor may be mounted remotely within the vending
machine with the components of the invention driven by the motor
indirectly by means of belts, chains, gears or other driving
connectors. Further, the motor may be any other type of driving
means besides an electric motor, such as a hydraulic motor, a
pneumatic piston or other driving device which can be activated
electrically for driving means for reciprocating a carriage as
described hereinafter.
Extending over and sliding on top of frame 46 is a carriage 70.
Carriage 70 includes a top member 72 and opposed side members 74
and 76 best illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7. With reference to those
figures, it can be seen that carriage 70 is supported by frame side
walls 50 and 52, and particularly by the top edges 54 and 56 of
such side walls respectively.
Preferably, frame 46 is made of a noncorrosive, easy to clean
metal, such as stainless steel. Preferably, carriage 70 is made of
a durable synthetic polymeric plastic material approved for use
with food machinery, such as polycarbonate. To reduce the friction
between the bottom surface of top member 72 of carriage 70 and the
top edges 54 and 56 of the frame side walls, a coating of a
friction reducing polymer, such as polytetrafluoroethylene or the
like, may be applied to one or both of the undersurface of top
member 72 or top edges 54, 56. Alternately, rollers or other
bearing members may be used to reduce the friction between the
relatively moving surfaces.
With further reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, side members 74 and 76 of
carriage 70 include retaining means in the form of flanges 78 and
80, respectively, which extend below the bottom edges of the frame
side walls 50 and 52, respectively. Thus, flanges 78 and 80 prevent
carriage 70 from being lifted vertically from the frame 46. Flanges
78 and 80 preferably include an angled or rounded surface 82, 84,
respectively to make it easier to snap the carriage over the frame
side walls.
As best illustrated in FIG. 4, carriage 70 is reciprocable along
frame 46 in a direction indicated by double headed arrow 86. As
best illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, an elongated slot 88 is formed
in top member 72 of the carriage in a direction generally
transverse to the direction of arrow 86. FIG. 4 illustrates a
modified embodiment in which a slot 88' is defined by ribs 89 and
91 depending from the lower surface of top member 72 of carriage
70. In this way, top member 72 has a uniform, flat top surface
which is easy to clean and maintain.
Reciprocating within slot 88 or 88' is a crank pin 90 attached to a
crank arm 92 which, in turn, is attached to a rotating shaft 94 by
a fastener 96. As referred to herein, the term "slot formed in the
carriage" or equivalent terms, means slots 88, 88' or the like
associated with carriage 70 for restricting the travel of crank pin
90 to reciprocate the carriage. Shaft 94 is driven in a clockwise
direction when viewed in FIG. 4 as indicated by direction arrow
100. Shaft 94 is driven in the clockwise direction either directly
or indirectly by motor 58.
When shaft 94 rotates clockwise as indicated in FIG. 4, crank arm
92 also rotates clockwise. Crank pin 90 reciprocates in slot 88 or
88' formed in the carriage 70. Initially, prior to activation of
the motor, switch activator 98, which may be in the form of a
generally oval cam is in contact with switch arm 66. If desired, a
follower 68 may be attached to switch arm 66 to contact switch
activator 98. In the position illustrated in FIG. 4, switch arm 66
is disposed such that switch 64 is in an open, or off position.
Upon initial energization of the system, such as when the proper
amount of money is inserted into the vending machine, the motor is
actuated and rotates shaft 94 slightly so that activator 98 is not
in contact with follower 68 and switch arm 66 is allowed to assume
its normal position in which the switch is in a closed, or on
position illustrated in FIG. 3.
When switch 64 is closed, the full brew, discharge and return cycle
of the brew assembly apparatus of the present invention is
initiated. The carriage and brew cavity are in the brew position
illustrated in FIG. 5a. As shaft 94 continues to rotate clockwise,
crank pin 90 slides toward the right end of slot 88 illustrated in
FIG. 3 or toward the upper end of slot 88' illustrated in FIG. 4,
slightly moving the carriage toward front wall 48 of frame 46. When
crank pin 90 reaches the end of its travel within slot 88 or 88',
and as shaft 94 continues to rotate clockwise, carriage 70 is
driven from the brew position illustrated in FIG. 5a through
intermediate positions, one of which is illustrated in FIG. 5b,
toward a discharge position proximate front wall 48 of frame 46 as
illustrated in FIG. 5c. Just prior to reaching the discharge
position, crank arm 92 would be in a position generally as
illustrated in FIG. 3. At the discharge position, crank arm 92 is
substantially perpendicular to slot 88 and 88'. After reaching the
discharge position, and as shaft 94 continues to rotate clockwise,
crank pin 90 reciprocates toward the other end of slot 88 or 88'
(the left end of FIG. 3 and bottom of FIG. 4) to return carriage 70
toward the brew position. On its way back toward the initial brew
position, the carriage and brew cavity 32 pass through an
intermediate position illustrated in phantom in FIG. 5c. To
complete the cycle, switch actuator 98 contacts switch arm 66
directly or through attached follower 68 to open switch 64 until
the cycle is restarted by insertion of the proper amount of
money.
Now that the overall reciprocating movement of the carriage
assembly has been described, details of the structures involved in
the operation of the brew, discharge and return cycle will now be
described.
As best illustrated in FIGS. 2, 6 and 7, a filter assembly 102 is
attached to frame 46 by a generally U-shaped support member 104.
Filter assembly 102 includes a hollow filter holder 106 extending
through an aperture in the bottom portion of support member 104.
Filter holder 106 may be integrally formed with or separately
attached to funnel shaped connector 40. A filter 108, which may be
in the form of a mesh screen of stainless steel, a perforated
stainless steel or polymeric disk, or the like, is supported by
filter holder 106. The filter holder 106 also includes a sealing
gasket 110 made of suitable elastomeric material, for example
natural or synthetic rubber, such as a silicone rubber. Filter 108
is dimensioned to fit within the bottom portion of brew cavity 32
as best seen in FIG. 4. In the brew position, illustrated in FIGS.
2, 4, 5a and 7, the lower edge of the brew cavity is held into
sealing engagement with seal 110. This relationship is best
illustrated in FIG. 7.
Brew cavity 32 is sized to contain enough liquid to fully extract
the flavor components of the tea or other solid infusible material
and any condiments supported by the filter, such that the beverage
will not overflow cup 16. Brew cavity 32 is generally cylindrical
with an open top and bottom, although it may have converging
internal side wall portions as best illustrated in FIGS. 5a, 5b and
5c, and FIGS. 6 and 7.
The brew cavity is mounted to carriage 70 by a brew cavity mounting
assembly 112 which will now be described with particular reference
to FIGS. 2, 4, 5a, 6 and 7. Brew cavity mounting assembly 112
includes opposed side walls 114 and 116 spaced inwardly from side
walls 50 and 52 of frame 46. If desired, brew cavity mounting
assembly 112 may also include front and rear walls 118, 120 (see
FIG. 4). Depending walls 114, 116, 118 and 120 may be formed
integrally with or separately attached to top member 72 of carriage
70. An inwardly extending flange 122 may be formed on the bottom of
opposed side walls 114, 116, front and rear walls 118, 120 or all
four of such walls. Elongated vertical slots 124 and 126 are formed
in the respective side walls 114 and 116 for purposes to be made
clear hereinafter. Slots 124 and 126 are aligned with horizontal
slots 128 and 130, respectively, formed in top member 72 of
carriage 70.
Brew cavity 32 includes generally vertical flanges 132 and 134
extending outwardly from opposed side walls of the brew cavity
which may extend into vertical slots 124 and 126 and horizontal
slots 128 and 130, respectively. Extending further outwardly from
flanges 132 and 134 are guide pins 136 and 138, respectively. The
guide pins extend significantly through vertical slots 124 and 126
and into but not beyond horizontal slots 128 and 130. If desired,
guide pins 136 and 138 could extend outwardly directly from the
side walls of brew cavity 32, and flanges 132 and 134 could be
eliminated. However, preferably, both the vertical flanges and the
guide pins extend outwardly from opposed sides of the brew cavity
to provide a more positive alignment of the brew cavity within the
slots of the brew cavity mounting assembly. It is also preferred
that flanges 132, 134 and guide pins 136, 138 are integrally formed
together with the brew cavity as a unitary structure made of a
molded synthetic polymer, all as best illustrated in FIG. 7.
A stop member 140 is attached to and preferably integrally formed
with brew cavity 32 proximate the top of the brew cavity. Stop
member 140 is best illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4. As seen in
those Figures, it is clear that stop member 140 is formed as a
flange, and as illustrated, a polygonal flange extending outwardly
at approximately right angles to the upper portion of the side
walls of brew cavity 32. Stop member 140 has at least one side, and
as illustrated, four sides which extend beyond the perimeter of an
opening 142 formed in top member 72 of carriage 70. Thus, the
bottom surface of stop member 140 is supported by the upper surface
of top member 72 of carriage 70. Although stop member 140 is
illustrated as being generally octagonal in shape for purposes to
be described hereinafter, stop member 140 can be of any desired
shape so long as at least one portion extends beyond a portion of
the perimeter of opening 142 to support the brew cavity within the
opening.
Brew cavity 32 is normally urged downardly by biasing means, such
as a plurality of extension springs 144 which resiliently connect
brew cavity 32 to carriage 70. The points of connection are best
illustrated in FIGS. 4, 5a, 5b, 5c, 6 and 7. One end of each spring
preferably passes through a hole 146 formed in each of the four cut
away corners of stop member 140 and is hooked over or otherwise
secured to stop member 140. The other end of each spring preferably
is inserted through holes 148 formed in flanges 122 formed at the
lower end of walls 114, 116, 118 and/or 120 and is hooked over or
otherwise secured to flange 122.
When the carriage assembly and brew cup are in the brew position of
FIG. 5a, and as best illustrated in FIG. 7, springs 144 bias brew
cavity 32 into intimate sealing contact with seal 110 mounted
within filter holder 106. A sufficient biasing force is exerted so
that liquid does not flow between the bottom of brew cavity 32 and
seal 110. Rather, all of the liquid would flow through tea or other
solid infusible material retained on filter 108, then through
funnel shaped collector 40 and into conduit 42 to be dispensed into
cup 16.
Attached to rear wall 120 of brew cavity mounting assembly 112 is a
wiper support 150 which supports a wiper 152. The operation of the
wiper will be explained in more detail hereinafter with respect to
the movement of the carriage during the brew, discharge and return
cycle generally illustrated in FIGS. 5a, 5b and 5c.
With reference to FIGS. 5a, 5b, 5c and 6, there is shown a cam
means in the form of pawl members 154 and 156 mounted by mounting
members 158 and 160, respectively, attached to opposed sides of
U-shaped support member 104, which in turn is attached to frame
side walls 50 and 52. Pawl members 154 and 156 are aligned with
each other and are mounted in a like manner on their respective
mounting members 158 and 160. Accordingly, only pawl member 156
will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 5a and 6, since
pawl member 154 is identical to pawl member 156.
Pawl member 156 includes a lower portion 162 which has two opposed
legs 164 and 166 straddling mounting member 158. Integrally formed
with lower portion 162 is a narrowed middle portion 168 and an
upper portion 170. A pin 172 fastens pawl member 154 to mounting
member 158. Upper portion 170 is angled as indicated in FIG. 5a and
includes an upper camming surface 174 with a depending
reinforcement portion 176. The bottom surface of reinforcement
portion 176 is supported by but is not secured to an abutment 178
attached to mounting members 158 and 160.
Upper portions 170 of pawl members 154 and 156 are resiliently
pivotable about pin 172 for the purpose described hereinafter. The
pawl members preferably are made of an acetal resin such as Delrin
or other suitably strong and resilient synthetic polymeric
resin.
The operation of brew assembly 14 and the operational
interrelationship of the carriage, brew cavity and wiper with the
other components of brew assembly 14 and brew mechanism 12 will now
be described primarily with reference to FIGS. 5a, 5b and 5c
throughout one complete brew, discharge and return cycle.
FIG. 5a illustrates the position of carriage 70 and brew cavity 32
in a brew position also seen in plan view in FIG. 4. Stop member
140 is biased downwardly by springs 144 and is supported by top
member 72 of carriage 170, such that brew cavity 32 is in its lower
position. In this position, the bottom edge of brew cavity 32 is in
sealing engagement with seal 110 held by filter holder 106 of
filter assembly 102, best illustrated in FIG. 7.
In the brew position, tea or other solid infusible material 26 is
dispensed from container 24, together with condiments as desired,
are dispensed into brew cavity 32 and upon filter 108 a described
above with respect to FIG. 1. Shortly thereafter, a cup of hot
water is metered by solenoid valve 36 through conduit 38 into brew
cavity 32.
Preferably, the discharge end of conduit 38 has a plurality of
openings or a nozzle to evenly distribute hot water over the tea.
This even distribution provides for a quicker and more complete
extraction of the flavor components. The hot water drips through
the tea leaves by gravity, thereby freshly brewing a cup of tea
which is received in cup 16. The operational sequences are
controlled by standard vending equipment control means, such as
electronic and/or electromechanical timers, relays, switches and
the like, the details of which are well known to those skilled in
the art and need not be recited herein. The arrow in FIG. 5a
indicates the direction of travel of carriage 70 and associated
brew cavity 32 shortly after the brew portion of the complete cycle
is completed.
FIG. 5b illustrates carriage 70 in an intermediate position between
the brew position of FIG. 5a and a discharge position illustrated
in FIG. 5c. The arrow at the upper portion of FIG. 5b signifies the
direction of travel of carriage 70 from the brew position toward
the discharge position. Although stop member 140 is flush against
the upper surface of carriage 70 in FIG. 5a, as the carriage
travels towards the right, guide pins 136 and 138 (only guide pin
138 being visible in FIGS. 5a, 5b and 5c) contacts upper camming
surfaces 174 of upper portions 170 of pawl members 154 and 156. As
the carriage travels toward the right between the brew position
illustrated in FIG. 5a and the discharge position illustrated in
5c, guide pins 136 and 138 and, therefore, entire brew cavity 32
are cammed upwardly to an upper position by camming surfaces 174.
Springs 144 are extended as stop member 140 is raised.
As the carriage moves between the brew position in FIG. 5a until
the guide pins 136 and 138 are raised by camming surfaces 174, the
bottom edge of brew cavity 32 acts to scrape spent tea leaves or
other spent solid infusible material off of filter 108. The
scraping or wiping action is completed by wiper 152 which contacts
filter 108 as generally indicated in FIGS. 5b and 5c. The spent tea
leaves are scraped and wiped into a suitable and conveniently
placed refuse container (not illustrated).
Just after guide pins 136 and 138 are raised to a maximum position
on the camming surfaces 174 above pawl mounting pin 172, guide pins
136 and 138 ride off the end of upper camming surfaces 174 of the
pawl members. Extension springs 144 cause brew cavity 32 to snap or
jolt downwardly almost immediately, such that guide pins 136 and
138 are returned from an upper position in slot 126 as illustrated
in FIG. 5b back to the lower position of the guide pins 136 and 138
in slot 126 as illustrated in FIGS. 5a and 5c. The bottom surface
of stop member 140 abruptly comes into contact with the top surface
of carriage 70 such that any spent tea leaves or any solid
infusible material remaining on the side walls or bottom edge of
brew cup 32 are released from and projected downardly from the brew
cavity. This is the discharge position illustrated by solid lines
in FIG. 5c. It can also be seen in FIG. 5c that wiper 152 has
extended entirely across the surface of filter 108 held within
filter holder 106.
After the discharge position of carriage 70 and brew cavity 32
illustrated in solid lines in FIG. 5c, the carriage begins its
return towards the brew position as indicated by the left hand
directional arrow above the phantom portion of FIG. 5c. Guide pins
136 and 138 travel past narrowed middle portion 168 of pawl members
154 and 156 (see FIG. 6) until the upper surface of guide pins 136
and 138 contact the bottom surface of upper portion 170 of the pawl
members (see FIG. 5c in phantom). The free end of each upper
portion 170 of the pawl members is raised during the return portion
of the operational cycle by the guide pins 136 and 138 as
illustrated in phantom in FIG. 5c. During the return of the
carriage to the brew position, wiper 152 again wipes the filter, as
does the lower edge of brew cavity 32 until carriage 70 and brew
cavity 32 have returned to the brew position illustrated in FIG.
5a.
Based on the foregoing description of the preferred embodiment, it
should be appreciated that brew assembly 14 according to the
present invention operates in a simple yet positive and consistent
manner with a minimum of moving parts to efficiently and
economically provide and dispense freshly brewed cups of tea or the
like.
The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms
without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof
and, accordingly, reference should be made to the appended claims,
rather than to the foregoing specification, as indicating the scope
of the invention.
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